Greetings!
Happy (Real) "Independence Day"!
On this day, July SECOND, in 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution that the 13 "united colonies" were now "states" -- free and independent from the British crown.
The next morning (while a more formal declaration was being hammered out by "Mr. Jefferson from Virginia") John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. In it, he expressed just how important the occasion was:
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| John to Abigail: "You will think me transported with enthusiasm" for The Second of July! |
Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states...You will see In a few days a declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man.
In a second letter, written that evening, he predicted "The Second of July" would be the new nation's day of celebration:
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival... with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
Even though Mr. Adams may have missed the mark on which date on the calendar would get notoriety, he was "spot on" when he concluded to his wife and closest confidante:
You will think me transported with enthusiasm; but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory; I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph...
Regardless what kind of "bells, bonfires or illuminations" you choose to celebrate this 237th anniversary of our nation's independence, I do hope it is done safely for you and your family.
Michel C. Daisley
